The Garden of Earthly Surprises

Photo by J. Sharland Day

Alligator species, we were eager to see.

Would they be hidden, 

Or would they just be

Out in the open, in water or on grass

A good chance they’d not be just scratching their ass.

I laugh at my little joke, poking fun at these critters

Some people would delight in eating their bitters

Rather than sweet tastes 

For caressing the tongue

I’m certain the gator would taste bad to the young.

I admire these creatures when I’m standing afar.

It’s fun to spot one with mouths ajar

Ready for the unsuspecting

Morsal for lunch

Their jaws wide open, it might get a bunch.

Photo by J. Sharland Day

We drive further into this gardeny space

That is a lush and green and peaceful place

With a unique history 

For each grove of trees

Or bamboo or bushes that attract the bees.

We saw green covered flat spots that were quite deceiving

We must not walk on this vine interweaving

There’d be a big surprise

of wet feet and more

As we spotted a gator pretending to snore.

Photo by J. Sharland Day

We jumped on the path and scurried away

To go see the Buddha that sat ready to pray

Up on a hill 

‘Neath a large, glassed Pagoda

While people showed reverence practicing their yoga.

The garden of Camellias was large and wide

A vast variety that would not hide.

Now the blossoms were few, 

Since it’s barely Spring,

An array of color another month would bring.

A disappointing arbor we drove beneath

‘Cause the now bare branches would later bequeath

A fountain of color

From Wisteria’s flow

Of breathtaking beauty, is what I know.

Photo by J. Sharland Day

On to see Bird City where the Snowy Egrets nest

A man-made place where these birds live and rest

In their own habitation, 

Yet above gator’s snouts

To prosper in safety, is what this place is about.

What an inspiring experience we had there that day

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to build there and stay?

Alas, not possible

For that to be

It was made for the world to share and see.

I vow to return to this place someday

To seek out the Buddha, seek solace and pray

That the world

Would be as peaceful and kind

As the makers of this garden, indeed, had in mind.

Photo by J. Sharland Day